Offensive Materials Policy

Every user of this site can access information in the form of text, graphics, images, and sound. This is available for a variety of purposes viz. teaching, research, learning, and entertainment. While acknowledging that the community of users is a diverse, international group of members with varied backgrounds and beliefs, it is possible that some of the electronically received information may be found to be offensive and perhaps pornographic by some members of our community. Individuals may be particularly offended if they are exposed to the material unwittingly. Material in a particular news group or on particular Web pages may be explicit and graphic in nature. Currently, where such resources are generally identifiable the same may be clearly labelled, indicating the nature of the information contained within, so that individuals may make knowledgeable decisions when accessing them. However since in most instances the users are allowed to upload the content without any interference (by Emantras) in good faith. Hence no claim as to the identity/ labelling of the material so accessible is feasible. User/s are welcome to intimate the Emantras web administrator in the event of coming across any material in their opinion is offensive and not in conformation with our policy or generally accepted norms. On receiving such information Emantras in its discretion would enquire into the same and take appropriate action.

Acknowledging the above values, beliefs, and sensitivities Emantras has decided in the interest of all to implement the Offensive Material Policy which while recognising the freedom of expression and an open environment for sharing information that are valued, encouraged, supported, and protected by law seeks to ensure that users refrain from displaying any material that may be perceived to be offensive to other users. The policy of Emantras entails reservations on:

Information that is incompatible with the objective of this site whereupon such publication of the same could unwittingly expose offensive material by the deliberate and knowing acts of individuals to others either related directly or indirectly.
Information that is per se sexual in nature in terms of an harassment;
Illegal material, such as child pornography, from any source will not be tolerated or further distributed within the site. If reports or complaints regarding possible illegal material are received, Emantras must be contacted immediately by user/s for determination as to the material’s legality and affirmative action.
Offensive material that include, but not be limited to material that is:
Sexually explicit;
Promoting crime or violence;
Promoting or criticising religious beliefs;
Likely to incite racial tension;
Displaying the infliction of extreme violence or extreme cruelty of any sort or manner;
Not consistent with contemporary community standards; or
Is likely to be perceived as harassing, insightful or demeaning to persons of a particular sex, sexual preference, race, religion or ethnic background items that promote or glorify hatred, violence, racial or religious intolerance, or items that promote organizations with such views;
Items related to Natural Disasters or Human and other Tragedies or other inhuman or barbaric acts, deeds or things not acceptable in a modern society.
Emantras agrees to adopt all steps that may result in avoidance of offensive material from electronic sources being left on machines or shared printers, purposefully forwarded to others who are unwilling recipients, or displayed in such a manner as to create an abusive work or study environment for others. Potential safeguards begin with education encouraging responsible management of information that is accessed for personal use and may also include screen-saving devices on public machines and front-screen warning messages advising people of potentially offensive material.

Emantras in the event of facing any issue concerning the information put up by a user being offensive would inform the user/ sender that they (Emantras and/or its other users) do not wish to receive the materials and ask the user/ sender to stop, and desist from such action. In the further event of such user/ sender failing to adhere to all reasonable intimations given Emantras reserves its right as an Administrator of the site to remove all or any such material at its sole discretion.

Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions amidst others that could include: 1. Listing or Want or any such posts/ notes put up by the user being cancelled, 2. Forfeiture of fees on cancelled listings of the user, 3. Limits placed on account privileges of the user, 4. Loss of any or all privileged status of user, 5. User Account suspension, etc.

Under this policy, Emantras may in its discretion, remove items and refund the fees in any of the above instances and/or when the item or description graphically portrays violence or victims of violence, and lacks substantial educational, social, artistic or political value. For example, Emantras may disallow putting up of explicit crime scene photographs or morgue photos, while permitting military documentaries or photographs of war victims. Emantras may also, in its discretion and out of respect for the families of crime victims, remove listings of items closely associated with individuals notorious for committing criminal acts within the last century or so, such as personal belongings of such criminals, letters or artwork created by such criminals, or novelty items that bear the name or image of the criminal or such act, deed or thing that is likely to cause hurt to its users or recipients.

Further, Emantras will remove any listing and suspend the members involved where it appears that a person convicted of a criminal offence is attempting to use the site (directly or through another person) to benefit financially from his or her criminal notoriety. Emantras will review listings that are brought to its attention by its worldwide community, and will look at the entire listing to determine whether such removal or suspension of user account is justified.

Emantras avoids listings that graphically portray, glorify or attempt to profit from human tragedy or suffering, which lack substantial educational, social, artistic, or political value. This includes items that may be deemed inappropriate or insensitive to victims of natural disasters or human tragedies. However items related to natural disasters or human tragedies that have substantial educational, social, artistic or political value may be generally permitted. Such items may include newspaper clippings, documentaries, books, and commemorative photographs or paintings.

Emantras may in its discretion refrain from publishing items such as: Music or films or videos, articles etc. that promote hatred and racial supremacy; Holocaust denial books, articles, write up's etc.; Crime scene photographs, Morgue shots; Letters and artwork from notorious criminals; Electric chairs and related capital punishment items; War documentaries or documentary photos portraying victims of war or violence provided they do not contain propaganda; Items of historical importance associated with acts of violence against public figures and others.